Create a raised planting bed and add an architectural element to your landscape design by building a retaining wall. A retaining wall will assist in erosion control, water drainage, and the creation of a usable garden area. Retaining walls turn an unworkable slope into a gardening area. Let us check out some steps and do’s and don’t for building a retaining wall.
Steps to create the retaining wall for your home garden-
The following steps will assist you in building a retaining wall
Choose a location – Determine the wall’s length and breadth. Make a note of the wall’s position and form.
Level the ground and dig a trench – Now, dig the trench with the shovel, making it twice as broad as the block.
Form the foundation – Now, it’s time to lay the gravel foundation.
The initial course of blocks should be laid – Begin placing the blocks for the wall’s foundation. Make sure the first row is even as you put it out.
Additional courses/rows of the block should be laid – After the first row is in place, interlock the other rows. By laying rows one by one, you may raise the level.
Place the drainpipe in place – Install the drainpipe to prevent water from backfilling your wall. Soil or gravel should be used to fill the leftover area surrounding the pipe.
The final touch- Lay a layer of capstone bricks on top of your retaining wall to complete it and improve its look. Using a brush, remove the remaining layer of stones as well as any dirt.
Do’s and Don’ts of building a retaining wall-
Do’s-
Choose a material that is simple to deal with-
One can use various materials to build retaining walls. Any material may be used, from poured concrete and huge timbers to natural stones and bricks. If you’re doing it yourself, use readymade blocks or timbers made particularly for retaining walls.
Have your strategy in place-
You’ll need to create a design for your wall before you begin. If it’s taller than a meter, check with your local municipality first. You may need to hire an engineer to design and certify the wall.
Don’t-
- Don’t forget to provide room for drainage-
The backside of the wall may be exposed to harsh pressure from groundwater. Make drainage arrangements at the same time as you create the retaining wall to avoid failure. Backfilling the area behind the blocks with crushed stone and constructing a flexible drainpipe at the foot of the wall. It might provide the groundwater with the appropriate escape route. The drainpipe’s ends should then exit on both sides of the wall.
Don’t arrange the blocks on an uneven surface-
The initial row of blocks establishes the pace for the whole wall. As a result, making it exactly level is critical. If it isn’t level, successive rows will be uneven, resulting in an uneven and unpleasant retaining wall. Any flaws in the foundation will show up higher on the wall.
Hope this article will help you with creating a retaining wall for your garden.